Principal EIA (Onshore) Consultant

Principal EIA (Onshore) Consultant

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Environmental Impact Assessment professional to join a growing environmental and planning consultancy supporting major infrastructure and development projects across the UK and Ireland.

This role is ideal for a senior environmental consultant looking to lead the delivery of complex consenting and environmental assessment projects within sectors such as renewable energy, transport and wider infrastructure. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will provide strategic planning and consenting advice while managing projects through pre-application, application and determination phases.

The successful candidate will take a lead role in client management, stakeholder engagement, programme delivery and team development, acting as a trusted advisor across a diverse project portfolio. The position offers a blend of technical leadership, project management and mentoring responsibilities, making it well suited to an established Principal-level consultant seeking further career progression.

With a strong pipeline of infrastructure and renewable energy projects, the organisation offers an excellent opportunity to influence the growth of an expanding environmental assessment team while developing your own leadership career.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Environmental Impact Assessment, Habitats Regulations Assessment and consent-related workstreams across major infrastructure projects.
• Manage internal multidisciplinary teams and external sub-consultants.
• Provide strategic planning and consenting advice to clients, identifying project risks and developing mitigation strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Lead stakeholder engagement activities and client interactions.
• Manage project programmes, budgets and commercial performance.
• Oversee project reporting, administration and quality assurance processes.
• Review and approve technical outputs produced by project teams.
• Lead the preparation of proposals, tenders and fee submissions.
• Support, mentor and develop junior and senior team members.
• Contribute to the continued growth and development of the environmental assessment team.

Requirements

• Degree qualified in Environmental Science, Environmental Planning or a related discipline.
• Significant Environmental Impact Assessment experience, including screening, scoping and reporting.Strong project and programme management experience with responsibility for budgets, deadlines and client relationships.
• Experience delivering projects within renewable energy, transport or wider infrastructure sectors.
• Solid understanding of UK planning and environmental consenting processes.
• Knowledge of Scottish impact assessment policy and regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrable stakeholder engagement and consultation experience.
• Strong report writing, analytical, communication and technical review skills.
• Experience managing complex projects across multiple planning and consenting regimes.
• Proven ability to lead teams and mentor less experienced consultants.
• Experience preparing technical and commercial proposals.
• Strong client focus with a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.

The following would be advantageous but are not essential:

• Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Planning, EIA or a related discipline.
• Chartered status or membership of a relevant professional body.
• Experience working across sectors such as energy transmission, water, active travel or other infrastructure developments.
• Knowledge of Strategic Environmental Assessment or related sustainability disciplines.
• Experience working with statutory regulators and key stakeholders.
• Understanding of post-consent compliance management.
• Ability to travel to project sites and stakeholder meetings across the UK and Ireland when required.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Clear career progression within a growing environmental consultancy.
• Exposure to major renewable energy and infrastructure projects.
• Ongoing mentoring and support from senior leadership.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Collaborative multidisciplinary working environment.
• Strong focus on employee wellbeing and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to influence the direction and growth of an expanding team.